Kim Petras has never been one to shy away from a look. Honestly, if you follow her on Instagram or caught her Slut Pop Miami era, you know she treats fashion like a high-contact sport. But there is one specific aesthetic that keeps people hitting the search bar: kim petras in a bikini.
It’s not just about the summer vibes.
When she landed the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue back in 2023, it wasn’t just a "pop star in a swimsuit" moment. It was a cultural earthquake. Even now, in early 2026, the ripple effects of that shoot are still being felt across the fashion industry and the LGBTQ+ community.
People are still obsessed. Why? Because it felt real.
The Shoot That Broke the Internet (and the Mold)
If you haven't seen the shots taken by Yu Tsai in Los Angeles, you're missing out on some serious Barbiecore excellence. Kim was styled in everything from a pastel BANANHOT one-piece to a metallic gold Natalia Fedner number that looked like it was poured onto her.
She wasn't just standing there. She was owning it.
The collection featured some heavy hitters in the swimwear world. We're talking pieces from:
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- PatBO (that iconic floral top)
- Frankies Bikinis (specifically a collab with Sydney Sweeney)
- Heavy Manners
- LILY&ROSE
Kim mentioned in interviews afterward that she was actually super nervous. She didn't think she had it in her to be "beautiful in a bathing suit." It’s kinda wild to think a Grammy winner with millions of fans would feel that way, right? But that’s the vulnerability that makes her fans—the "Bunheads"—ride so hard for her. She admitted to PEOPLE that the shoot was a massive confidence boost, proving she belonged in a space that hasn't always been welcoming to trans women.
Why kim petras in a bikini is a Political Statement
Let's be real for a second. In the current climate, a trans woman on the cover of a major sports magazine is going to ruffle feathers. And boy, did it ever. While fans were screaming "mother" on Twitter, conservative critics were busy writing think pieces about "biological women being replaced."
Kim’s response? Basically, she just kept living her best life.
She told SI that she feels the pressure to represent her community, but she also wants to be seen for her art. "Everything I do is definitely not about being transgender," she said. It’s a part of her, sure. But it’s not the only part. When you see kim petras in a bikini, you’re seeing a woman who has fought since she was 12 years old to be exactly who she is.
She became one of the youngest people to undergo gender confirmation surgery at 16. That’s not just a fun fact; it’s a testament to her resolve. So, when she steps onto a beach in a tiny two-piece, it’s a victory lap.
The "Slut Pop" Influence
You can't talk about Kim's swimwear style without talking about her music. Her 2022 EP Slut Pop and the follow-up Slut Pop Miami are basically the sonic equivalent of a neon thong bikini.
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It's raunchy. It’s loud. It’s unapologetic.
Her aesthetic shifted from "bubblegum pop princess" to "hyper-sexualized bionic doll." This wasn't accidental. By leaning into the "slut" archetype, she took back power from people who try to shame trans bodies. Her bikinis became her armor. Whether she's rocking a vintage Chanel set or a custom piece from a small designer, the message is the same: I’m here, I’m hot, and I’m not asking for permission.
How to Channel the Kim Petras Beach Aesthetic
If you're looking to capture that same "Icy" energy for your next vacation, you have to understand the Kim Petras formula. It’s not just about the suit; it’s about the "more is more" philosophy.
- High-Cut Leg Lines: Kim almost always opts for a high-cut bottom. It elongates the legs and gives that 90s supermodel silhouette that is very much back in style for 2026.
- Bold Accessories: In her SI shoot, she wasn't just wearing a bikini. She was dripping in Alexis Bittar earrings and Sophie Buhai rings. Do not go to the pool "naked." Add the jewelry.
- The Hair is the Outfit: Even in the water, Kim’s platinum blonde hair is a character of its own. Whether it’s a wet-look slick back or massive "Malibu Barbie" waves, the hair completes the fantasy.
- Texture Over Plain Fabric: Think crochet, metallic knits, and sequins. If it doesn't catch the light, Kim probably won't wear it.
The Reality of Body Positivity in 2026
It’s easy to look at a polished magazine cover and think it’s all effortless. But Kim has been open about the struggle. Recently, there’s been some chatter on Reddit and social media about her weight loss and the pressure of the "pop star" image.
Some fans are worried. Others are just supportive.
The nuanced truth is that being a public figure—especially a trans woman—means your body is always up for debate. When photos of kim petras in a bikini go viral, they aren't just images; they are lightning rods for conversations about beauty standards, plastic surgery, and the "right" way to transition.
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Kim’s take? She just wants to look "really hot." And honestly? Same.
What’s Next for the Pop Progenitor?
As we move further into 2026, Kim is reportedly working on new music that moves away from the "big pop anthems" of her past. She's wiping her socials, reinventing herself again. But the "bikini moments" will likely stay. They are a core part of her brand’s DNA—that mix of high-fashion editorial and "trashy-chic" fun.
If you're planning your own summer wardrobe based on Kim's look, your best bet is to check out brands like Area or Courrèges—she was recently spotted at their SS26 show in Paris looking like a total futuristic dream.
The takeaway here isn't just that Kim looks good in a swimsuit. It's that she forced the world to look at a trans body through the lens of traditional, high-glamour "beauty." She didn't ask to be a "trans model." She just showed up as a model who happens to be trans. And that, more than any specific bikini, is why we're still talking about it.
To keep up with Kim’s latest fashion pivots, you should follow her official stylists or check out fan-run "Closet of Kim Petras" accounts on X. They usually track down every single designer piece she wears within minutes of her posting. For those looking to support the causes Kim cares about, she’s a long-time ambassador for MAC’s VIVA GLAM, which funds organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV/AIDS. That’s a great place to start if you want to turn your "stan" energy into actual impact.